Local Bar Toughens Up Security Measures Amid Fake ID Scourge
A Center City dive bar has taken drastic measures to protect itself from a wave of fake IDs flooding its doors, prompting the establishment to adopt a 25-and-older policy for right now.
Co-owner Jody Sweitzer revealed that recently, she was presented with a fake ID featuring Benjamin Franklin's photo – which surprisingly scanned as legitimate. The incident prompted Sweitzer and her team to reassess their approach to verifying customer ages, leading them to implement the new house rule.
The move comes after months of dealing with crowds of college-aged patrons who would show up in Ubers, form lines outside, and often vape inside despite not being allowed. Most of these young adults were found to be carrying fake IDs that scanned as legitimate. Sweitzer attributes this trend to social media's influence on the younger crowd, which has become an "obsession" among some patrons.
Sweitzer consulted with her attorney and a representative from the Pennsylvania Tavern Association to ensure the 25-and-up age limit is compliant with state laws. While federal law sets the minimum drinking age at 21, most states allow bars to establish their own house rules, including age limits. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission notes that age discrimination only applies to individuals 40 and older.
The proliferation of fake IDs has become a significant issue in recent months, with sophisticated technology making it difficult for bars to keep up with detection methods. Dirty Franks initially tried restricting the number of people allowed inside but found it didn't solve the problem. Now, Sweitzer is on the hunt for an ID scanner that can accurately determine whether an ID is fake or not, promising to return to a 21-and-older policy once such technology becomes available.
Since implementing the new rule two weeks ago, Sweitzer reports that things have returned to normal at Dirty Franks. When presented with a birthday card from a woman under 25, she explained that the policy isn't personal and that most patrons of all ages understand the need for security measures.
A Center City dive bar has taken drastic measures to protect itself from a wave of fake IDs flooding its doors, prompting the establishment to adopt a 25-and-older policy for right now.
Co-owner Jody Sweitzer revealed that recently, she was presented with a fake ID featuring Benjamin Franklin's photo – which surprisingly scanned as legitimate. The incident prompted Sweitzer and her team to reassess their approach to verifying customer ages, leading them to implement the new house rule.
The move comes after months of dealing with crowds of college-aged patrons who would show up in Ubers, form lines outside, and often vape inside despite not being allowed. Most of these young adults were found to be carrying fake IDs that scanned as legitimate. Sweitzer attributes this trend to social media's influence on the younger crowd, which has become an "obsession" among some patrons.
Sweitzer consulted with her attorney and a representative from the Pennsylvania Tavern Association to ensure the 25-and-up age limit is compliant with state laws. While federal law sets the minimum drinking age at 21, most states allow bars to establish their own house rules, including age limits. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission notes that age discrimination only applies to individuals 40 and older.
The proliferation of fake IDs has become a significant issue in recent months, with sophisticated technology making it difficult for bars to keep up with detection methods. Dirty Franks initially tried restricting the number of people allowed inside but found it didn't solve the problem. Now, Sweitzer is on the hunt for an ID scanner that can accurately determine whether an ID is fake or not, promising to return to a 21-and-older policy once such technology becomes available.
Since implementing the new rule two weeks ago, Sweitzer reports that things have returned to normal at Dirty Franks. When presented with a birthday card from a woman under 25, she explained that the policy isn't personal and that most patrons of all ages understand the need for security measures.
. I mean, I get it, its a big industry and all, but can't they find a way to make it easier for legit customers? Maybe something like biometric scanners or more advanced ID verification tech? That'd be super helpful for places like Dirty Franks 
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. I'm surprised they didn't go full-on Spartacus and start confiscating IDs left and right. Like, who needs a social life when you can vape in line and try to scam your way into a drink? The fact that someone showed up with Ben Franklin's face on their ID is wild - must be super hard to keep those scammers in check 
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. Dirty Franks might need to shell out some cash to upgrade those scanners, but at least they're taking proactive steps to protect themselves and their customers (most of whom are probably actually old enough to know better).
. And honestly? If I'm gonna get carded at my fave dive bar, I might as well be 25 already 
gotta keep it safe and secure in the clubs tho 
can't have people getting in if they're underage, that's just common sense 
so yeah, 25-and-older policy is fair enough for now 
just gotta hope they find a good way to detect those fake ids soon 
I'm not sure if I agree with Dirty Franks new 25-and-older policy. Like, I get it, fake IDs are a big problem, but restricting entry to people under 25 might push some legit party animals out 
! It's not just a matter of "oh I got caught" it's like they're trying to ruin bars and lives. I mean, Dirty Franks was already having issues with kids vaping in the bar and now this? 
Jody Sweitzer is totally right though - social media is making all these young adults think they're invincible. It's not cool. 
Anyway, I do feel for her business, implementing a new policy like that can't be easy. Hopefully she finds that ID scanner soon so she can get back to normal 
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Social media's influence is a big part of this issue – everyone wants to be seen on Instagram and Facebook having fun at "the hottest" bar in town. Meanwhile, Dirty Franks is stuck dealing with the aftermath 
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. It would be awesome if bars could just have a chill vibe without the drama of fake IDs. And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that age discrimination only applies to people 40+? Like, what's wrong with being young and wild?! 
idk how hard it is to detect fake IDs but i'm sure u're doing ur research & finding ways 2 keep ur bar safe 
. The fact that someone can get away with presenting a fake ID featuring Benjamin Franklin's photo is just mind-boggling 
. It's not about ageism; it's about ensuring safety and security for patrons who are genuinely of drinking age 
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people think they can just slap some fake pics on there and scan it as legit lol no thanks! 
i'm just saying 25 is a solid age limit – most people can handle their liquor responsibly 
let's keep our bars safe and secure! 
. I've seen ppl doin' this stuff and it's just wild 
. Anyway, props to Dirty Franks for takin' control of their own security 
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. It's like, chill out and enjoy a beer, you're not gonna die or anything.
. And honestly, 25-and-up's not so bad... sometimes you feel like the cool kids are too young and immature 
. I mean, fake IDs are just, like, so not cool, you know? But at the same time, 25-and-up might be a bit harsh on some people... I don't know, maybe it's just because I've had friends who were in their early twenties and seemed super responsible 
. First of all, 25 is not too old to be out with friends or enjoy a drink after work 
. It's just ridiculous that people are resorting to fake IDs because they can't even figure out how to order a decent Uber without getting caught 
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. It's not that hard to get caught up in the hype and try something stupid 